Glen-L.com

I had always envisioned a polished cutwater...I'll have to see what to do....

Just curious, regarding speedometers...do most people now go with a gps version? The other option is to run a pitotube or water wheel....does that go through the hull, or do you run something over the side? I prefer not to do that. I was just pricing gauges and have some sticker shock!

I went with the Teleflex GPS Speedometer. It works well but the speedo head and receiver run about $300.00 Besides speed you get a digital compass heading readout.

Roberta

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Roberta
Built Zip "Oliver IV" and Super Spartan "Jimmy 70"

Built the seat bases and backs, started with the side storage compartments (arms rests) and the recess for the control box. Also ordered instruments (w/ gps speedometer), battery box, on board charger, bilge pump, fuse panel, switches, and miscellaneous hardware. I have a 'to do' list a mile long so I will just keep plugging away.

Nothing better than a long list of tasks and all the parts in stock. Keep pluggin'

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My Zip build log...
http://www.vupilot.blogspot.com
http://picasaweb.google.com/vupilot/Chr ... O0x7SvsQE#

"Nothing screams poor craftsmanship like wrinkles in your duct tape."

Coming along nicely!!!

Roberta

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Roberta
Built Zip "Oliver IV" and Super Spartan "Jimmy 70"

I was on vacation since July 3rd and out of town for a lot of that time. As such, not too much time to spend on the boat. Over the past couple weeks, I have:
1. roughed out the motor well (it's done, but needs 'finished'),
2. added some extra reinforcing to the transom (i.e. some kickers from just below the motor well to my bottom seat beam that ties to keel/battens),
3. finished roughing out the armrests (they could be complete but I think I am going to add some removable inlaid 'covers' out of a contrasting wood that will allow for access into the compartment).
4. roughed out the soul in front of the dashboard
5. realized that the dashboard is not deep (wide) enough to accommodate the steering unit. As such, I added another piece of white oak below the dashboard to lower the dash by another 1 1/4". I am going to cover the dashboard with a 1/8" solid walnut piece anyway, so the seam between the original frame and the scabbed on peace will not be visible. I just wished I had realized that when I was building the frames to begin with.....but experience is something we don't have until after we need it.

My next steps should be to cover the dash, cut out the holes for the instruments, begin to install the elect/mechanical systems, and then continue with a "boat load" of interior finish work.

Making great progress and looking good.

_________________
My Zip build log...
http://www.vupilot.blogspot.com
http://picasaweb.google.com/vupilot/Chr ... O0x7SvsQE#

"Nothing screams poor craftsmanship like wrinkles in your duct tape."

Look's Great!!! Should be ready by G6!!!

Roberta

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Roberta
Built Zip "Oliver IV" and Super Spartan "Jimmy 70"

I overlaid both dashboards with 1/4" black walnut and then installed the steering helm and roughed in the instruments. The walnut will be much darker once it is encapsulated/finished. That's it for now....

I really like those gauges. Look forward to seeing the dash pop when the finish is put on it.

_________________
My Zip build log...
http://www.vupilot.blogspot.com
http://picasaweb.google.com/vupilot/Chr ... O0x7SvsQE#

"Nothing screams poor craftsmanship like wrinkles in your duct tape."

I did a good bit of epoxying (if that is actually a verb??) and couldn't do too much on the boat during the cure so I decided to make one of the side panels that will go above the armrests against the hull. I have the other three panels cut, but just need to cover. No rush on those, don't actually need them until the very end....

Spent some time running wires, connecting instruments, fuse panel, switches, hooking up the pumps, installing battery box/battery. Just for fun, I connected the motor, control box, and battery...turned the key and turned the motor over. No fuel or cables hooked up, but at least it turned over! Also tried the lights on the instruments and they fired up too. I didn't run the lead-ins to the instruments yet (i.e. fuel, tach, speedometer), but I'm getting there.

The wiring is a fun change of pace in the build process isnt it? Its not sticky or dusty and its a kick to bring your boats components "to life" the first time.

_________________
My Zip build log...
http://www.vupilot.blogspot.com
http://picasaweb.google.com/vupilot/Chr ... O0x7SvsQE#

"Nothing screams poor craftsmanship like wrinkles in your duct tape."

Agreed. It is a good, clean, change of pace.....now I'm not too far from beginning the deck!

couldn't resist getting a sneak peak of the interior.....installed 2nd pump (one for each side of keel), switches, cupholders, steering cable, gas line, motorwell drain tube. also started painting the boot strip. now I'm getting real close to the deck...